October 27, 2016

Moving Through the Pain of Widowhood to Find Meaning & Purpose in Your Life

"What this book does not include are lists of offices to contact, financial advice, how many copies you need of the death certificate, or check lists of where to send them to. Instead, this book will lead you on your journey through your own heart." ~ 4%

Joann Filomena talks widow to widow. She is an author speaking from experience. She knows how it feels to be in disbelief, unable to sleep and filled with pain. Do not mistake this for a self-help book or a guide for widows; it is way more valuable. WIDOWED is a warm hug of words specifically for dear widows needing courage on this new journey.

No, I am not a widow and cannot begin to imagine how it truly feels. However, reading this book helped me to somewhat understand my grandmother's pain when my grandfather passed away. Although it's been over a decade, I know she has her moments and will still benefit in reading words from a fellow widow. Readers will appreciate there is no sugarcoating or hand-holding. Joann Filomena writes WIDOWED as if she invited you over for dinner and telling you—her best girlfriend—what you really need to hear.

"We get to learn how to be with ourselves and become independent." ~ 36%

I have known Joann through the podcasting world for a couple years now. She is a certified life coach and the producer/host of Widow Cast and Weight Coach podcasts. It is a pleasure interacting with her and now celebrating the release of her new book, WIDOWED. Putting my critical copyeditor eye aside, I highly recommend this 112-page eBook uniquely formatted as an acronymfor those that lost a spouse. If you are not a widow, please gift the Kindle edition to someone you know and care about. I guarantee she will find some sort of belonging, comfort and direction within the pages of WIDOWED. Lift that black veil, put on a jazzy pair of eyeglasses, and start reading ways to process grief and discover hope!

Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the author for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are honestly my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

October 26, 2016

Description: Charles Wang is mad at America. Me too, bruh. He has lost everything due to a financial crisis. His only plan is to remove his two youngest children from school (tuition, be damned), move out of their foreclosed home and temporarily stay with his oldest daughter until he is able to reclaim his ancestral land in China. This novel was recommended everywhere—bookstores, Amazon, online articles, magazines and Goodreads. While there were LOL moments (like when Mr. Wang finagled his daughter's MacBook Pro from college for less than one hundred bucks so she could continue fashion blogging), I was really let down. It passed my 50-Page Rule but I quit about halfway through. A classic case of an overhyped new novel.

Description: Mason was born in the 1970s in California, raised by a 16-year-old single mother. Early on, she learned how to navigate a volatile home life and excelling in school. She juggled street smarts and book smarts. Eventually she boards a plane to Howard University with only $200 in her pocket. Her path out of poverty is a testimony. I chose this book simply for the cover...love it! The praise for this novel was impressive. The little that I read and skimmed ahead was written very well. I can see how it may motivate black girls. However, I simply was not in the mood for such a memoir. For now, it is set aside for reading at a later date.

Description: This book is exactly how its titled. I only read it because a friend gave it to me on a shitty day and said, "it could be worse; you could be a housewife turned inmate." Well thanks friend, because it indeed took my mind off auto-pilot and stress. Although I am familiar with Teresa from watching the Real Housewives of New Jersey, I learned more about her childhood, friendships, Italian background, a couple recipes and her humbling experience in prison. She certainly went from flipping tables and pushing Andy to being grateful for her family and freedom.

Description: Six adults. Three kids. One dog. One backyard BBQ gone wrong. But we don't know exactly what happened until the end of the book. Instead readers are given the aftermath and reactions of the characters as they navigate life "after" the incident. I tend to read books either before release (thanks to publishers and authors), immediately upon publication or wait a few months until the hype dies down. Such was the case for Liane Moriarty's new novel. There was no question whether I would like the book; I just wanted to have a break between reading umpteen rave reviews and my actually reading it. Whew—glad I did! Details I happened upon when reading magazines/reviews were forgotten by the time I got to its pages. Damn good unraveling of a story from multiples points of view. Now I am truly madly sorry I let it sit.

Description: I am taking my time reading this sarcastic ass dictionary. I have challenged myself to use (or share in a casual conversation) at least one (1) word in the most sarcastic way possible from every letter of the alphabet. This is fun and pure comedy, bookhearts!

eMagazines: Thanks to Texture, I have unlimited access to all of my favorite magazines for one low price. (Do I sound like an infomercial yet?) So I canceled all of my NOOK eMag subscriptions and am saving tons of dollars. But I am also reading way more magazines now because...why not? They're available! Here are the titles I have saved as auto-download:

October 23, 2016

(Myron Bolitar #11)

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Revision. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

Read an installment of a series.

Share your review/recommendation below.

Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is Home, the eleventh book in the Myron Bolitar series by Harlan Coben. Yes, my Myron fans and beloved bookhearts, the witty emotional sports agent character is back after umpteen years. In this new thriller, Win receives an anonymous email tip that starts quite a suspenseful drama with unpredictable twists. A decade ago, two young boys from wealthy families were kidnapped. A hefty ransom was demanded but never collected. The boys were not returned and no trace surfaced...until now.

"They discussed, analyzed, drove down various dark roads that all led to dead ends." ~ pg. 302

The book begins in first person from Win's point of view. What an unexpected surprise to have Myron's best friend start the book off. Usually in this series, Myron is the leader getting assistance from his best friend, Win, in helping people in trouble and finding missing people. So to have Win ask for help is big...HUGE! Anyhoot, following the anonymous tip, Win and Myron rescue the now teenage boy and work as a team to find his missing friend.

The references in this book are time appropriate. There are references to Hamilton, Uberand other current events/things. I was waiting for Myron's favorite drink, Yoo-hoo, to be mentioned and was not disappointed either.

"If you start this book at 10 o'clock at night, I want you at 4 in the morning to curse me." Well, Harlan, your wish is my command because Home gripped me and held me to its pages for hours. I tweeted Harlan while I was running around my room in circles, screaming at the last words read in Home. Not too many authors can elicit such a response from me.

How appropriate that Home was published on Chickadee's birthday; she introduced me to the Myron Bolitar series. I still thank her and my friend that co-signed. So bookhearts, if mystery is your kind of genre to read, it is my duty to recommend this series. Each book is worth reading. Each character will make an impression. If that does not convince you enough, watch the video below of author Harlan Coben on his writing process and new thriller, Home.

October 22, 2016

A Murder Among Friends ~ Given to me a few months ago. I purposely saved it for today's Readathon so I could have no distractions while reading the story in front of my fireplace in a snuggie.

Beach Thing ~ Well, technically given to me. I bought the eBook with a birthday gift card.

Truly Madly Guilty ~ Lent from the library. I kept this bestseller on my TBR until the hype died down a bit.

Small Great Things ~ Is a galley considered a book lent to me? Hmmm...

WIDOWED ~ Given to me by the author/fellow podcaster: Joann Filomena of Widow Cast.

Home ~ First patron to loan from the library! The return of one of my favorite fictional characters in a series, Myron Bolitar, has been on my TBR since news of it being published.

Another Brooklyn ~ Also on loan from the library. I added to my TBR when bookheart Vern recommended it to me.

Turning the Tables ~ Given to me by a friend who said, "It could be worse; you could be a housewife turned inmate."

Adnan's Story ~ Part of a library haul. It has been hard to find thus on my TBR since I listened to the Serial and Undisclosed podcasts.

October is the perfect month for not only breast cancer awareness but to also finally read the books gifted or lent to me. If you are interested in joining this challenge with me, visit Bookish for the deets. Share your progress using #KillYourTBR2016 on social media. And don't forget to self-examine... SAVE THE BOOBS!

October 19, 2016

I am fully aware this sounds like a stale joke, but what does an unhappy couple, a divorced mother and a hopeful lover from three different countries have in common? A trip to Adele's concert held in Verona! Elias starts to search for his long-lost love after eight years of separation. Nadia is battling her ex-husband and trying to secure freedom for herself and her only son. Meanwhile, Yaser realizes his marriage is falling apart and he is drifting apart from his wife. This is the story of their lives leading up to a common event: seeing Adele live in concert.

"This is the end..." ~ 100%

I was a little bit (okay, a lotta bit) disappointed by part of the ending because it took away from part of the story's purpose. The story did not feel complete. However, I realized the lessons learned were conveyed to the reader regardless of the ending I wished for.

Putting my feelings aside about the unsatisfactory ending, I especially loved the format of My Trip to Adele. Every chapter was named after an Adele song and featured lyrics. It was perfectly tied to the story and created nostalgic moments while I was reading. I even took it one step further and created my own soundtrack playlist while reading. After every chapter, I played the song it was named after. Whether intentional of the authors or not, it was a very nice touch tying the storyline of three distinct characters to lyrics. It was as if the story was written based on songs by Adele. Also, how cool is it that the authors are siblings! Another unique combination."Under your thumb I can't breathe." ~ 31%My Trip to Adele was published on September 12, 2016. It is available now for all Adele fans and readers who appreciate a good story of courage. It is meant for those, like myself, that realize it is a small world but something as powerful as music and a shared interest can bring people from all over the world together. Make the world even smaller by reading this book and listening to Adele's 25, 21, and my favorite Adele album, 19. This book is literally the definition of fan fiction.Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are honestly my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

I have never read a book by an anonymous author. Sure I have read books by authors with a pen name. But completely anonymous? Why? Is the content so sensitive that an author wishes to not get credit or hide behind published words? So when I read the description of this book, I sort of understood.

Hello Me, It's You has multiple authors. It is a collection of letters written by young adults aged 17-24 about their experiences with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, trichotillomania and more. The letters are addressed to their 16-year-old selves. It gives hope, insight and direction to what is ahead in their lives.

"Write it all down and trust me it will help. Keep breathing. Ride out the panic. It's overwhelming I know, but it will be over soon. Inhale. Exhale. Count to 10. Better?" ~ 47%

The editor, Hannah Todd, was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. She found comfort in talking with friends and realizing she wasn't alone in her thoughts or experiences. It inspired Hannah to start a charity and this book.

Hello Me, It's You was published on October 10, 2016. Be weary of its content because it may be triggering for you or a loved one. However, its purpose is to help young adults through experiences and difficult times when they may feel alone or need a boost of hope. Though I found some of the letters repetitive, who am I to judge how a person expresses feelings? As long as it helps reduce the stigma around mental illness, I am for it.

Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are honestly my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

October 18, 2016

"The death of Sonny Liston remains one of the most enduring mysteries in Las Vegas. There never was a homicide investigation because his death was never classified as a homicide. As a result, leads surfaced that haven't been followed, suspects died with their secrets, and stories haven't been told." ~ 4%

I love boxing. Rocky IV is my favorite movie. I like going to local boxing matches. I watch all major boxing live on TV. Ask me anything about football and you'll see my eyes go blank. But boxing? I am here for it! So I was geeked when I got the opportunity to read and review a nonfiction book about the murder of former heavyweight champion, Sonny Liston. This book is a re-examination of the circumstances before, surrounding and after Sonny Liston's death in Las Vegas in 1970.

The author, Shaun Assael, does a good job in researching and re-examining an unsolved murder. He writes in detail about the people involved, interviews suspects and maintains a neutral mind so as not to lead readers into a specific theory. I didn't know much about Sonny Liston other than he was Joe Louis' best friend and possibly fixed his fight with Muhammad Ali. But this book educated me on not only the history of Las Vegas but the inner workings of boxing and drug dealing. A lot goes on outside the ring!The Murder of Sonny Liston is available today. It is not a page-turner nor is it a must-read. I learned more about Las Vegas lifestyle than the actual murder but it was entertaining. Add it to your TBR if you are a boxing sport fan or follow unsolved murders frequently happening in Las Vegas.Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are honestly my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Murders, kidnappings, and missing persons are at a high crime rate. But a young man takes it upon himself to help solve crimes in the neighborhood that the LAPD ignores. They call him IQ (full name Isaiah Quintabe). No, he is not a professional investigator. In fact, he is a high school dropout. He charges clients whatever they can afford (often a homemade casserole). When he takes on the case of a rap mogul, IQ's and his client's lives are in danger.

I was so excited to read this mystery featuring a unique main character. Right away I was drawn in to the main character's dialogue and talking style in slang. Then it seemed forced. It reminded me of a person purposely talking ebonics to fit in with his/her surroundings. Annoying much. This made it difficult to read. I understand that IQ grew up in one of LA's toughest neighborhoods. The author himself grew up in South Central LA with a largely black population. Hence, their speech reflects their neighborhood. But there is a difference between natural and forced speech. After a few chapters, it was very distracting.

If you are able to bypass the dialogue of IQ and deal with his random clients, then read IQ. No doubt you will be entertained. This is not your normal fictional hero.

Happy Pub Day, Joe Ide. IQ is available today.

Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are honestly my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

"I was almost twelve years old when I decided to kill my parents." ~ 1%

This is the story of a twelve-year-old girl's experience fleeing Nazi-occupied Germany. Back in 1939, Hannah lived in Berlin's highest social class. Her family was admired by many. Then suddenly, Berlin is draped with flags, their possessions are taken away, and home no longer feels the same. Hannah and her best friend, Leo, go along with their families on a ship promising safe passage to Cuba. But the ship to freedom turns out to be a death sentence.

Decades later in New York City, an eleven-year-old girl named Anna receives an envelope from Hannah, her great-aunt. Anna and her mother travel to Havana to meet Hannah, now 87 years old. Their visit reveals family secrets, journey tales and a history full of pain.

I did not finish reading The German Girl. It reminded me of other long-winded books with pointless details and unnecessary descriptions. Not to say that The German Girl is not readable; it was just not the book for me.

Happy Pub Day, Armando Lucas Correa. The German Girl is available today.Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are honestly my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

October 16, 2016

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Revision. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

Read an installment of a series.

Share your review/recommendation below.

Include the title, author and series name.

"Lifelong friendships. Goodhearted people. No crime." ~ pg. 76

My Series Sunday pick is Stepping to a New Day, the seventh book in the Blessings series by Beverly Jenkins. The latest installment features Genevieve Gibbs, one of Henry Adams, Kansas, residents. It was only three years ago when she was bit by Riley's 600-lb hog. Now she is stronger than before and glad she left her no-good (then) husband.

T.C. Barbour is from Oakland, California. He lands a job driving a limo for the most powerful and loved woman in Henry Adams. He meets an unforgettable woman, Gen, during a short trip to the airport. Looks like T.C. may be in town to stay. But of course, drama happens and forces the residents to pull together and save the town.

"You know we country Black folks set a lot of stock in dreams." ~ pg. 268

Stepping to a New Day is my least favorite in the Blessings series. Why? Simply because I do not care for the character Riley, his wacky ways or his hog. I am all for Gen finding her happy but she was always a meh character to me. Making her the main character in this book did not change my opinion of Gen. Therefore, it made this book less enjoyable. However, I did like the arrival of a new character (T.C.) and a bit jealous he gets to experience Henry Adams. Yes, I am still a resident-in-my-head.

Beverly Jenkins has created a wonderful tiny town and unforgettable characters of color with this Blessings series. Despite not caring for this latest book, I still recommend this series to all bookhearts.

October 11, 2016

"It just goes to show you: every baby is born beautiful. It's what we project on them that makes them ugly." ~ 3%

Ruth is an experienced Labor & Delivery nurse that knows just what a new mother needs, be it an epidural or lipstick. She has more than twenty years of experience. Other nurses respect her; doctors appreciate her. So when the parents of a newborn request that Ruth not touch their baby simply because she is black, Ruth is offended and shocked. The hospital complies with the request of the white supremacists.

The very next day, Ruth is alone in the nursery when the newborn baby has a medical emergency. Ruth is faced with a dilemma: disobey orders to save the baby's life and lose her job or do nothing. As a result, Ruth is penalized for following directions. She is charged with a serious crime and her case becomes a media sensation.

"No African American personnel to care for this patient. Each word, it's a bullet." ~ 73%

This novel took me through a literary roller-coaster. I received the galley a couple months ago, read the synopsis and deemed it too heavy to read in the thick of summer. I couldn't bring myself to read about a black nurse accused of killing the newborn baby of a skinhead father while my toes are in the sand and I'm sporting a wide-brim sunhat. Light reading, this is not! So I waited and made Small Great Things the first book I read after returning from vacay.

The first line(s) set the tone for a book. The first fifty pages are the determining factor of whether I will finish. This is no exaggeration when I tell you I put Small Great Things down after almost every chapter. It made me think! I nodded my head in agreement. I shook my head in disgust. I side-eyed colleagues. I questioned my own ethics and what I would do in a similar situation. I even let it sit for a full day to ponder how I felt about a well-intentioned white woman writing from the points of a view of an educated black woman, a naive white public defender, and a hateful skinhead. Yet I was drawn in as the story unfolded and tricks came out of the bag. The pace of events, alternate narration and unpredictable actions of the characters is what kept me reading.

"All mothers worry, but Black mothers, we have to worry a little bit more." ~ 81%

Bookhearts, Small Great Things will make you feel uncomfortable. Race, privilege, trust, equality and equity are themes. This new novel will most likely be reviewed by many and the author may even get pushback from readers. But listen when I tell you, it is worth every minute of your reading 450+ pages. I wasn't a "Picoult person" before this but glad I tried reading this new release; this is her riskiest work to date. It is meant to be read and discussed. I read a lot of books but this story and its characters will stick with me. Yes, it is fiction but it is so damn well written and obvious the author did research, that it will seem like real life. Small Great Things is rightfully one of the best books I have read in 2016.

Happy Pub Day, Jodi Picoult! Thank you for not giving up on weaving a story about racism in the United States. It may have taken you twenty years, but better now than never. Small Great Things is your small great thing that I am sure will stir thought and discussion.

Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are honestly my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.